Things to Do in Valletta in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Valletta
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Nearly perfect weather for walking Valletta's steep streets - mornings hover around 18-20°C (64-68°F), warm enough to explore comfortably without the brutal heat that hits by July. You'll actually want to climb those Barrakka steps instead of dreading them.
- Shoulder season pricing means you're looking at 25-35% lower accommodation costs compared to peak summer months, and restaurants in Republic Street aren't packed with cruise ship crowds at lunch. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and you'll have solid options without the premium rates.
- The Mediterranean is warming up to 19-20°C (66-68°F) by late May - still bracing for most swimmers, but genuinely pleasant for harbor swimming at Sliema or Ghar id-Dud. Locals start their swimming season now, which tells you something about the conditions.
- May catches the tail end of festa season before the summer break - you'll likely encounter at least one village festa with fireworks, brass bands, and street decorations. These are authentic local celebrations, not tourist performances, and they're considerably more relaxed than the massive August festas.
Considerations
- Weather can be genuinely unpredictable in May - you might get three days of brilliant sunshine followed by a day of wind and scattered showers. That 70% humidity combines with variable conditions to make packing frustrating, and you can't reliably plan boat trips more than 2-3 days ahead.
- The Gregale wind (northeast wind) still shows up occasionally in early May, bringing cooler temperatures and choppy seas. When it hits, boat trips to Comino get cancelled, outdoor dining becomes unpleasant, and that 16°C (60°F) low actually feels quite cold with wind chill.
- It's an awkward month for beach activities - too cool for extended sunbathing, but warm enough that you'll want to swim. You'll see locals confidently jumping in the harbor while tourists stand around debating whether it's worth it. The indecision can be annoying if you came specifically for beach time.
Best Activities in May
Valletta Walking Tours and Fortification Exploration
May weather is actually ideal for walking Valletta's steep limestone streets - you'll work up a sweat climbing from the Grand Harbour waterfront to Upper Barrakka Gardens (roughly 40m or 130ft elevation gain), but it's manageable in morning temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F). The variable weather means dramatic cloud formations over the bastions, making for better photography than the harsh summer light. Most guided walking tours run 2.5-3 hours and cover the main fortifications, St. John's Co-Cathedral, and hidden courtyards. The city's compact size (just 0.8 sq km or 0.3 sq miles) means you can cover major sites on foot without exhausting yourself.
Mdina and Rabat Cultural Visits
The Silent City is genuinely pleasant in May before summer crowds arrive - you'll have stretches of the narrow streets nearly to yourself, especially early morning or late afternoon. The 11km (6.8 miles) from Valletta takes 25-30 minutes by bus (routes 50, 51, 52, or 53), and the medieval architecture provides natural shade when temperatures climb. May's variable weather actually enhances the atmospheric quality - morning mist occasionally settles over the bastions, creating that mysterious medieval vibe that's impossible in bright summer sun. The Roman villa and catacombs in adjacent Rabat stay cool year-round, making them perfect backup options if rain hits.
Gozo Day Trips and Rural Exploration
May is arguably the best month for Gozo - the countryside is still green from spring rains, wildflowers are blooming along coastal paths, and temperatures stay comfortable for hiking or cycling. The ferry from Cirkewwa runs every 45 minutes (more frequently in summer) and takes 25 minutes, costing EUR 4.65 return. Sea conditions in May can be variable, so if you're prone to seasickness, take morning ferries when waters tend to be calmer. The island's rural character means you're cycling or walking between sites - Victoria (the capital), the Ggantija temples, Ramla Bay, and the salt pans near Marsalforn are all worth full attention. Budget a full day, leaving Valletta by 8:00am to maximize time on the island.
Grand Harbour Boat Tours and Swimming
The Grand Harbour is genuinely impressive from water level - you'll see the massive fortification walls rising 20-30m (65-100ft) straight from the sea, which you simply can't appreciate from street level. Traditional dgħajsa boats (similar to Venetian gondolas) offer 30-minute harbor tours, while larger boats do 90-minute cruises including Marsamxett Harbour. May weather means you'll want the covered seating option - that 70% humidity plus sun exposure can be intense even at 23°C (75°F). Late afternoon departures (4:00-5:00pm) catch excellent light on the Valletta bastions. Some locals swim at Sliema waterfront in May, though the 19-20°C (66-68°F) water temperature requires commitment.
Three Cities Exploration and Maritime History
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua get overlooked by tourists rushing to Mdina, which means you'll have these atmospheric waterfront towns largely to yourself in May. The maritime museums, Fort St. Angelo, and the Inquisitor's Palace provide excellent rainy-day backup options (and you'll likely need them for at least one of those 10 rainy days). The walking is easier than Valletta - flatter terrain, wider streets in sections - though Vittoriosa's waterfront involves some steps. The ferry from Valletta Waterfront costs EUR 2.80 return and takes 10 minutes, offering excellent harbor views. Budget 3-4 hours minimum, or a full day if you're serious about maritime history.
Blue Grotto and Southern Coast Visits
The Blue Grotto's famous azure water color depends entirely on sunlight hitting the cave entrance at the right angle - May's variable weather means you're gambling a bit. When conditions are right (calm seas, morning sun), the color is genuinely spectacular. When it's overcast or windy, you've made a 30-minute bus journey (routes 71 or 74 from Valletta, EUR 2.80 each way) for a decent but not extraordinary cave. Boat trips cost EUR 8-10 and take 20-25 minutes. The southern coast around Zurrieq offers dramatic cliff walks and fewer tourists than the north coast. Sea conditions matter here - boats don't run if swells exceed 1m (3.3ft), which happens occasionally in May.
May Events & Festivals
Village Festas (Various Locations)
May catches several village festas celebrating patron saints - these are genuine local celebrations with elaborate street decorations, brass band marches, fireworks, and outdoor Mass. Each village decorates its main street with lights and banners, and locals dress up for evening processions. The atmosphere is festive but relaxed, unlike the massive August festas that draw huge crowds. You'll find excellent street food, local wine, and a genuinely welcoming attitude toward visitors who show respect. Festas typically run Friday through Sunday, with the main procession on Sunday evening around 6:00-7:00pm.
Valletta Film Festival
This boutique film festival typically runs in early June but occasionally extends programming into late May, screening independent European and Mediterranean films at various historic venues around Valletta. The outdoor screenings at Pjazza Teatru Rjal (the open-air theatre ruins) are particularly atmospheric when weather cooperates. May evening temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) are actually ideal for outdoor cinema - bring a light jacket for screenings that start at 8:30-9:00pm. Check the official festival website closer to your dates, as scheduling varies year to year.